E1, Maglite 2AA w/ xenon, UKE 2L, UKE 2AAA

J

Joe Talmadge

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,842
Just picked up an E1 ($55 from Leach), so thought I'd do a quick comparison of my smallest lights. All lights tested had brand new batteries.

I have the side-by-side model of the UKE 2AAA. It's nearly small and light enough to be keychain sized, and comes with a clip so it's easy to mount. The hot spot had a very nice white color, though it was more spider-shaped than round -- a very small hot core with white arms radiating out. The amount of light this tiny light puts out is very impressive. I've heard the 2AAA Princeton Tec puts out (the Blast?) has a similar or slighter better output and possibly better hot spot, though doesn't come with a clip for mounting.

The Maglite 2AA with the Brinkmann high-output bulb was more impressive than the UKE 2AAA, but really, not by that much. The Maglite's hot spot was bigger than the UKE 2AAA, though a bit yellower. The total output was a bit more than the UKE 2AAA.

The E1 was a step up from the other two lights, with a much smoother hotspot than the other two, although my E1 does have a shadow in the center. Total light output is more than the other two. Pretty easy to notice the difference, both for short- and long-range use. 'course, the light also cost 5x more than the above lights.

The UKE 2L shouldn't really have been tested in this group, it's a good amount brighter than the others, both its hotspot and total light output.

Joe
 
I bought a Princeton Tec Blast on sale this summer. My wife spied me testing it and said, "Oooh, cool." Guess who has that little pocket light now?

The Blast has a very solid output, better than the Pelican Mini MightyLite (on my keyring), in my opinion. The Blast just didn't hang as comfortably from my keyring as the Mini MightyLite does.

My next flashlight "fix" might be a Princeton Tec 20. Or a double-AAA Mini MagLite.
 
I like the Blast also. I prefer the UKE 2 AAA end to end light to the Pelican lights. The UKE and blast are very similar in light output. The UKE is slightly smaller and easier to hang on a keychain then the Pelican.

Basically I would recommend a UKE 2AAA or a blast before a Pelican or 2 AAA mag.

Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/flash.htm
 
I'm also guessing that the 4-AAA Princeton Tec light, the Rage, would be brighter than the 2-AA Maglite w/ Brinkmann bulb. I don't have a Rage so couldn't compare directly, but with the UKE 2-AAA so close to the Maglitew/Brinkman, I figure the Rage should easily outshine both. Since the Rage doesn't really have any more volume than the Maglite, I think it may be a better choice than the Mag 2-AA if you want a brighter light.

On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a whole bunch more, the E1 is smaller and brighter than all of the above (except, possibly, the Rage), and with Duracell 123As at $3.00 apiece, it's pretty affordable to run.

Joe
 

Hi guys
Never posted here before but have a question . I have a Streamlight Stinger XT that somebody gave me and I droped it and now it don't work checked the bulb and its ok if I send it to the manufacture will they fix it . Or is it worth it?
Cary
 
Brock,

Have you tried the smallest of the Pelicans, the single-AAA Mini MightyLite, on your keyring? It hangs nicely and is only slightly bulkier than my Maglite Solitare.

Craig
 
One problem I have found is the MagLites are much easier to find. Generally available at your local hardware store. Try finding an Underwater Kinetics, Pelican, or Princeton Tec flashlight anywhere other than an outdoor specialty or dive shop.
 
Well... Now I will probably have to go buy a single AAA cell Pelican so I can see what it does.
smile.gif


Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/flash.htm
 
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